Persistent dengue emergence: the 7 years surrounding the 2010 epidemic in Nepal

Dengue fever (DF) is an emerging public health problem in Nepal, and yet neither the magnitude of the DF burden or its epidemiological trends are well understood.

We conducted a sero-epidemiological, seasonal trend and demographic analysis of the trends in DF in the Terai region of Nepal, from 2007 to 2013. In that period, 2002 serum samples were collected from febrile patients suspected of dengue virus infection. Samples were screened by IgM antibody ELISA analysis for the presence of anti-dengue IgM antibodies.

The overall prevalence of DF cases was found to range from 26.1 to 55.4%. Infection was found to be more common among adults and males. Seasonal trends revealed that cases peaked in October and November.

The study offers perspective on the dengue fever burden before, during and after a major epidemic and can now be used as a basis for formulating strategies by policy makers that will enhance and develop relevant control and preventive measures against dengue fever. The findings of this study reinforce the perceived need for urgent dengue virus surveillance to enhance dengue control strategies that need to be developed for future preparedness. In the light of the recent earthquakes, future major outbreaks of vector borne disease are likely to recur.